San Leandro woman with rare disease thrown special birthday party

SAN LEANDRO, Calif. (KGO) -- The Alameda County Fire Department and San Leandro Police Department joined forces this weekend to wish a young woman a happy birthday.

Tashawna celebrated her 25th birthday on Saturday. Party organizers Debbi DiMaggio and George Mark Children's House shared photos and videos with ABC7 news.

The young woman has a rare disease called Friedreich's ataxia that's similar to ALS and has claimed the life of her sister and father.

The party was also to raise awareness about the disease.

The party's theme was Tashawna's mantra -- love bravely every day.